Each According To His Ability (Part 4)

While each of us is given our own gifts, talents, and abilities, there are some abilities that God gives to all of us. Those include: (a) the ability to move mountains (Matthew 17:20) and (b) the power to loose and bind (Matthew 16:19)

One ability that we often miss or ignore, however, particularly in Christian circles, is found in Deuteronomy 8:18.

God says He has given us the power to get wealth. And while He gives some of us more of this ability than others (Matthew 25:15), He's given all of us this ability in some way, shape, or form.

That said, most Christians wait on God to do miracles in their lives, particularly when it comes to their finances. We often take a Red Sea approach, assuming that God will step in and create miracles out of thin air.

But Deuteronomy 8:18 says that God has given us the power to get wealth. That means we must be active participants in our wealth accumulation.

Yes, God parted the Red Sea, but the Israelites had to participate in their escape from Egypt. Moses had to be obedient and confront Pharaoh. The Israelites had to be obedient and follow Moses to the wilderness. And ultimately, Moses had to raise his staff in obedience to God's Word for the sea to part. The Israelites, led by Moses, were active participants in their deliverance.

The same is true when Jesus fed the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21. God provided the increase but the boy and the disciples provided the raw materials.

In short, God wants to give us increase but he's waiting on us to act.

Make no mistake, this is not a prosperity, name-it-and-claim-it message. The Bible does NOT teach that everybody is called to be rich. Rich Christians are NOT better nor more faithful than less well-to-do Christians. Again, God gives each according to our ability (Matthew 25:14-30). Some of us are called to be rich and have more resources. Some of us are called to have less. The Bible even says that the poor will always be among us (John 12:8).

We all have a responsibility to manage what we have well.

What the Bible DOES teach is that God will supply all of our need (Philippians 4:19). The Bible DOES teach that we are to be the head, not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). That applies whether we're rich or poor. And while wealth looks different for everybody, God unequivocally says that He's given all of us the power to produce it in some way.

The question is, how are you using that power today?

God bless,
J.W

Why Bad Things Happen To Good People (Part 4)

The question "why do bad things happen to good people" inherently implies that God is somehow responsible for everything that happens on the earth - that is, that God somehow owes people who are "good" protection from bad things. But again, that mentality is based on a faulty premise.

God is a God of principles. In the beginning, he set principles in motion by which the world would operate. One of those principles is that man would have free will. God allows us to make choices and experience the consequences. Why? Because God wants relationship, not servitude. He forces us to do nothing. He invites and encourages but then it’s up to us to accept.

Another principle that God set in motion at the foundation of the earth is that God needs us to perform His work and will on the earth. Think about it. In the beginning, God told man to name the animals and take care of the garden (Genesis 2:15, 19). He told us to have dominion over the birds of the air and the fish in the sea (Genesis 1:26). He told us that whatever we bind on earth would be bound in Heaven (Matthew 16:19). God places authority on earth with man.

That’s why we are called the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27) – that is, we are God’s hands, feet, eyes, nose, etc. to do His will here on earth (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). That is why He says faith without works is dead (James 2:26). God calls us to put our faith into action and move on our own behalf as He moves on our behalf.

So, the next time you hear someone ask why God would allow bad things to happen to good people, tell them. God needs your participation in order to help stop bad things from happening to good people.

God bless,
J.W.